Physical Activity: An Under-utilized Tool in Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Older Adults: A Narrative Review

¹Independent Scholar, Lahore 54792, Pakistan

²Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Akhtar Saeed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan

³Physical Therapist, Hameed Latif Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

*Corresponding author: Prof. Iqbal Akhtar Khan, MBBS, DTM, FACTM, PhD, Independent Scholar, Lahore 54792, Pakistan, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: June 02, 2025

Published Date: July 02, 2025

Citation: Khan IA, et al. (2025). Physical Activity: An Under-utilized Tool in Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Older Adults: A Narrative Review. Mathews J Diabetes Obes. 8(1):22.

Copyrights: Khan IA, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, is currently the 8th leading cause of disease burden globally and estimated to become the second leading cause by 2050. Its prevalence increases with age. In 2024 the older adult population (65-99 years) was 667.8 million with 158.3 million cases of diabetes (23.7%). Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, with around half of all people affected unaware that they have the condition. Sedentary lifestyle, late adulthood, and comorbidities constitute a “Worrisome Triad” for those with T2DM. Evidence proves that the right dose physical activity, in addition to its preventive and rehabilitative role and a safe adjunct to pharmacotherapy, plays a pivotal role in optimizing glycemic control, reduction of symptoms of depression and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Moreover, the combination of exercise training with multicomponent exercise and oral Metformin were more rewarding than either of the two alone, in the overall management of T2DM.

The distinct options of physical activity for older adults with T2DM include aerobic, resistance, stretching and balance. Multi-component exercises like tai chi chuan and yoga combine flexibility, balance, and resistance activities and have significant impact on health outcomes. While regulatory bodies have made their recommendations available, FITT Principle (Frequency: Intensity, Timing, Type) should be followed in developing exercise prescription which should be individualized because the “one size fits all” does not suit every case. Whereas “Role of Physical Therapists in Fighting the T2DM Epidemic” has been defined, it is hoped that they will be accepted to play a central role in the multidisciplinary health care team.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes, Physical therapy, FITT Principle, Role of Physical Therapist, Therapeutic Adherence.